Next Meeting: September 9 at Austin Scale Model Show Austin … · 2012-12-14 · Amigo Airsho, Biggs AFB, El Paso, TX [GK][SB] October 4-5 EAA Southwest Regional Fly-In, Hondo, TX

Newsletter of the Austin Scale Modelers Society September 2008

SPR

UE EXAM

INER

Vol. 16, No.9

(continued on page 4)

When In Doubt, Brew Up!Tamiya 1/48th M4A1 Shermanwith Faxon M4A2 Conversion

by Eric Choy, IPMS #44323

IntroductionThe Tamiya Sherman kit came to me as a whiteelephant gift at AABS's Christmas party lastyear. "Tamiya is so easy, even a caveman can doit" — so I was told by my peers. I could eitherbuild it box stock or have some fun doing aconversion. I chose the latter when I cameacross Echelon's latest decal "Would you like acup of hot tea, old chap?" (D486018) The cartooncharacters are just irresistible, not to mention

Next Meeting: September 9th at

Austin History Center

Map and directions to the Austin History Centercan be found on the last page. The scheduledprogram is the second part of Bob Bethea'sclinic on "Painting Small Scale Figures."

putting a bull’s-eye on the engine deck for theStuka pilots!

If you think the variations and subtypes ofGerman tanks are convoluted, wait till youstudy the M4 Sherman. Dry versus wet, weldedversus cast, spoke versus solid wheels, rubberversus steel tracks... My head was spinning fora few days while researching the subject. Aftermuch reading and consulting with experts inthe club, I finally made heads and tails of whatI needed for this project.

Here's the low-down of my model for thoseSherman nuts out there: this is an earlyproduction M4A2 75mm with welded hull,

Austin Scale Model Show

Saturday, September 27Crockett Events Center, Hall 'B'

9:00am to 5:30pm

Newsletter of the Austin Scale Modelers Society2

Austin Scale Modelers Society (ASMS) is affiliated with the International Plastic Modeler’s Society (IPMS) as the Republic of Texas Chapter.ASMS meets the second Tuesday of each month except December. Dues for full membership are $20 yearly. Subscription to the newsletter SprueExaminer is $15 yearly. The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors. ASMS does not endorse the contents of any article.

ASMS Officers for 2008ASMS Officers for 2008ASMS Officers for 2008ASMS Officers for 2008ASMS Officers for 2008Kenny RoadyKenny RoadyKenny RoadyKenny RoadyKenny Roady,president, [email protected] 260-2907Tim RobbTim RobbTim RobbTim RobbTim Robb,vice president, [email protected] (512) 392-0611Bill DelkBill DelkBill DelkBill DelkBill Delk,secretary, [email protected] 282-6832Ion Tesu,Ion Tesu,Ion Tesu,Ion Tesu,Ion Tesu,treasurer, [email protected] 301-7256Eric ChoyEric ChoyEric ChoyEric ChoyEric Choy,editor, [email protected] 249-9184

Web Site: Web Site: Web Site: Web Site: Web Site: http://www.austinsms.orghttp://www.austinsms.orghttp://www.austinsms.orghttp://www.austinsms.orghttp://www.austinsms.org

Mike Gilsbach, Mike Gilsbach, Mike Gilsbach, Mike Gilsbach, Mike Gilsbach, webmaster, [email protected]

Austin Model Show CoordinatorsAustin Model Show CoordinatorsAustin Model Show CoordinatorsAustin Model Show CoordinatorsAustin Model Show Coordinators

Kenny Roady, Kenny Roady, Kenny Roady, Kenny Roady, Kenny Roady, [email protected] 260-2907Kathy Roady, Kathy Roady, Kathy Roady, Kathy Roady, Kathy Roady, vendor Liason, [email protected] 260-2907

Our SponsorsThese are some of the organizations andindividuals which help make Austin ScaleModelers Society possible:

Austin Armor Bui lders SocietyAustin Armor Bui lders SocietyAustin Armor Bui lders SocietyAustin Armor Bui lders SocietyAustin Armor Bui lders Society

Aust in Mode l CarsAust in Mode l CarsAust in Mode l CarsAust in Mode l CarsAust in Mode l Cars

Accurate Min iaturesAccurate Min iaturesAccurate Min iaturesAccurate Min iaturesAccurate Min iatures

Archer F ine TransfersArcher F ine TransfersArcher F ine TransfersArcher F ine TransfersArcher F ine Transfers

Evergreen Sca le Models Inc .Evergreen Sca le Models Inc .Evergreen Sca le Models Inc .Evergreen Sca le Models Inc .Evergreen Sca le Models Inc .

K ing’s Hobby ShopKing’s Hobby ShopKing’s Hobby ShopKing’s Hobby ShopKing’s Hobby Shop

MegahobbyMegahobbyMegahobbyMegahobbyMegahobby

The Ranette CompanyThe Ranette CompanyThe Ranette CompanyThe Ranette CompanyThe Ranette Company

Reve l l -Monogram, L .L .C.Reve l l -Monogram, L .L .C.Reve l l -Monogram, L .L .C.Reve l l -Monogram, L .L .C.Reve l l -Monogram, L .L .C.

The Testors Corporat ionThe Testors Corporat ionThe Testors Corporat ionThe Testors Corporat ionThe Testors Corporat ion

Wi l l i ams Bros. Model ProductsWi l l i ams Bros. Model ProductsWi l l i ams Bros. Model ProductsWi l l i ams Bros. Model ProductsWi l l i ams Bros. Model Products

Milton BellMilton BellMilton BellMilton BellMilton Bell

Phil BrandtPhil BrandtPhil BrandtPhil BrandtPhil Brandt

Eric ChoyEric ChoyEric ChoyEric ChoyEric Choy

Dave EdgerlyDave EdgerlyDave EdgerlyDave EdgerlyDave Edgerly

Forster FamilyForster FamilyForster FamilyForster FamilyForster Family

Russ HolmRuss HolmRuss HolmRuss HolmRuss Holm

Jack JohnstonJack JohnstonJack JohnstonJack JohnstonJack Johnston

Dennis PriceDennis PriceDennis PriceDennis PriceDennis Price

Roady FamilyRoady FamilyRoady FamilyRoady FamilyRoady Family

John SeamanJohn SeamanJohn SeamanJohn SeamanJohn Seaman

Greg SpringerGreg SpringerGreg SpringerGreg SpringerGreg Springer

Ion TesuIon TesuIon TesuIon TesuIon Tesu

Rick WillamanRick WillamanRick WillamanRick WillamanRick Willaman

Model ShowsModel ShowsModel ShowsModel ShowsModel ShowsIPMS/Emerald City Modelers, OzCon 2008, Witchita, KA September 13IPMS/Forth Worth Scale Modelers, SuperCon 2008, Arlington, TX September 13IPMS/ASMS, Austin Scale Model Show, Austin, TX September 27IPMS/Metro Oklahoma City, SoonerCon 2008, Oklahoma City, OK September 27IPMS/CASM, Sproo-Doo 2008 Region 6 Convention, Little Rock, AK October 18IPMS/Acadiana, GatorCon 2008, Lafayette, LA October 25IPMS/MCMA, Lone Star NNL #4, Irving, TX November 1IPMS/El Paso, Veterans Day Tribute & Show, El Paso, TX November 9

Air ShowsAir ShowsAir ShowsAir ShowsAir ShowsFINA-CAF Air Show 2008, Midland, TX September 20-21Amigo Airsho, Biggs AFB, El Paso, TX [GK][SB] October 4-5EAA Southwest Regional Fly-In, Hondo, TX October 10-11Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, Fort Worth, TX [TB] October 10-11Wings Over Houston Airshow, Houston, TX [TB] October 24-26Lackland AFB Airshow, San Antonio, TX [BA] November 1-2

Aerobatic Teams [TB] USAF Thunderbirds [GK] US Army Golden KnightsScheduled: [BA] USN Blue Angels [SB] Canadian Air Force Snowbirds

Local EventsLocal EventsLocal EventsLocal EventsLocal EventsPacific Combat History Program, Nimitz Museum, Fredericksburg, TX September 13-14Annual Symposium: "Closing the Circle: The Philippines & Iwo Jima" September 20-21 Nimitz Museum, Fredericksburg, TXSalerno + 65, Camp Swift, Bastrop County, TX October 18Bob Bethea's Modeling Day, Shady Hollow Community Center, Austin, TX October 25Close Assault '44, Texas Military Forces Museum, Camp Mabry, Austin, TX November 8-9Pacific Combat History Program, Nimitz Museum, Fredericksburg, TX November 8-9

Upcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming Events

3Newsletter of the Austin Scale Modelers Society

Editor’s Notes...Editor’s Notes...Editor’s Notes...Editor’s Notes...Editor’s Notes...

Hey, what am I doing on page 3?

By now you should have noticed something different about thismonth's newsletter (other than the announcement of the changeof meeting place). To start, I have expanded the UpcomingEvents to include not only model shows but air shows and otherlocal events also. I've come to realize that not everyone isinterested or has the time to travel to model shows. But there areother local happenings that are just as fun and can arouse ourinterest in building models. I hope you and your family can allenjoy attending these events.

Also I have decided to devote a page permanently for thepromotion of IPMS/USA, our parent organization. On thispage you'll find IPMS membership info, renewal form, andhighlights of the latest issue of The Modeler's Journal. Notbeing able to see the forest for the trees, I must apologize for notincluding these important items on a regular basis ever since Itook over the job of the editor.

With the Editor's Notes relocated to the real estate previouslyoccupied by Kenny's Korner, now there is more room for me tobanter. Let me begin with the BIG change in our meeting venue.Starting this month (September), we'll be back at the AustinHistory Center again. Due to a conflict with their own "second-Tuesday-of-the-month" program, we can no longer use thefacility of Yarborough Branch Library for the rest of the year.Please make a note on your calendar so you won't be going tothe wrong place for the upcoming months.

Our annual show is finally here. As you know, we lost moneyand attendees last year. Holding a show within Austin citylimits is getting very expensive, and we can't keep doing itwithout at least breaking even financially. For this to happen,we need trophy sponsorships, donations, and most importantpublicity of our show. We also need you on the day of our showto help out various tasks. If you haven't signed up for any duty,please do so in our September meeting. The outcome of thisshow will probably determine our ability to hold any more showin the future. So, let's all participate and make it a successfulone. Failure, as they say in the space program, is not an option!

Coming Up...Coming Up...Coming Up...Coming Up...Coming Up...

Scheduled for our October meeting is our final QuarterlyContest. The theme of this contest is Mass Transit — any air,land, sea, or space transportation model, civilian or military,that moves people (or any life-form, including extraterrestrial)from one place to another is eligible for the theme award.

In November, our meeting will be on the second Wednesday(Nov 12th) instead of the usual Tuesday because of Veteran'sDay. The program will be the White Elephant Contest. In caseyou have forgotten, that's that gift-wrapped kit your received inlast year's (or previous years') Christmas party. You know, the

Kenny’s KornerKenny’s KornerKenny’s KornerKenny’s KornerKenny’s Korner(until I can think of something better)(until I can think of something better)(until I can think of something better)(until I can think of something better)(until I can think of something better)

News Flash... Weather Update... News Flash...

And now, to our Asian reporter Kenny on condition in Austin.Kenny?

Thanks, Diane. Things are picking up here in Austin. As youknow the contest season started some time ago. While we'vehad several hits around the area earlier this season, things werecalm here in Austin. However, the hot air masses from the StateSenate and House have caused a "perfect storm" effect aroundthe Crockett Events Center and several IPMS'ers are predictinga spectacular show at the end of this month. Computer modelsall point to the 27th of September as the flash point.

Now, the low pressure area at Crockett Center is certain to pullin lots of plastic. Predictions say that both built and unbuilt

should be pulled into the eye.Similar events in the past haveinundated the Center with somevery impressive lumps of plastic.Some say the unbuilt lumps willbe treasured and someentrepreneurs will be at the scenereleasing the lumps at nominalfees.

I talked with Clem Leanderthal about the impending event, andhe indicated to me that his plans were to head for the eye of theevent at Crockett Center and bring his plastic lumps. Hesuggested from years of these events that this is the safest thingto do as well as the most fun. "Well, ya know, tings like thishappen, and y'all should just get into it. Y'all should coveryourself in as many plastic lumps as you have on hand and getsome more from dem ultrapreneurs," says Clem. I agree. Get allyour plastic lumps and go down to the Crockett Events Centeron September 27th and you should have a good time.

Back to you, Diane. Kenny

kit you have been trying to avoid forthe last eight months, and the contesttrophy I have painstakingly preparedfor ...

With back-to-back contests comingup, someone needs to wake up Kennyfrom dreaming and playingweatherman (ha, ha, ha!) Let's get busyand build some models!

Eric

Newsletter of the Austin Scale Modelers Society4(When In Doubt, Brew Up! continued)

"dry stowage," twin 6-71 diesel engines, type 5A-2 glacis,direct vision ports, early 3-piece final drive housing, intermediateVVSS suspension, open spoke wheels and idler, grouser-lessT41 rubber block tracks, and (drum roll, please) most likelybuilt by UAW workers at General Motors Fisher Body Division'sGrand Blanc Tank Arsenal plant in Michigan!

Most M4A2s of this type ended up in the Lend-Lease Program.Nicknamed "Sherman III" or simply "Sherman, diesel" by theBrits, they were popular with the RTR and RAC troops despiteinadequate armor protection (hence the other nastier nickname:"Tommycooker"). My model depicts one of the 252 Shermansarrived in North Africa just in time for Montgomery's offenseagainst Rommel in the second Battle of El Alamein in October1942. The tank crew apparently decided they preferred cartoonand graffiti HUMOR over applique ARMOR for protectionagainst the deadly Teutonic shells!

ConstructionThe biggest obstacle ofbuilding a diesel Sherman wasthe M4A2 hull. Fortunately,Faxon Conversion (e-mail:[email protected]) from Oregoncame to the rescue and savedme the trouble of scratch-building the entire super-structure. All the resin partswere nicely cast with no hint of any bubble or warpage. The one-piece upper hull also eliminated the need of enclosing thesponsons. The only fixing I made was filling the holes for thetail light brush guards with putty; they were way too big andonly useful if you intend to use Tamiya's oversized guards.

Photos in Dennis Oliver's book British Sherman Tanks (ConcordPublications) show early Sherman IIIs had distinct fenders thatwere larger and boxier than other Shermans used in the sameperiod. As far as I know, no aftermarket manufacturer produces

this particular type of fenderin 1/48th. Fortunately, it is notthat difficult to scratchbuild. Imade them out of plasticplaying cards and some verythin sheet styrene. Both fenderrails and attachment points areleftover PE items from myspare parts box.

Oliver's book also shows Sherman IIIs had early grouser-lessrubber block tracks instead of the T48 type that came with theTamiya kit. Using Chris Schwach's simple method of makingT51 rubber block tracks posted on www.track48.com, I shavedoff the chevrons on the Tamiya track links and glued pieces ofsheet styrene cut from Evergreen #116 (0.015"x0.125") tosimulate the rubber blocks. As Schwach mentioned in hisarticle, the top tracks are well hidden inside the fenders, so you

only have to convert the ones around the "bends." The resultswere quite convincing, although I thought the tracks looked abit more like the earlier T41 type than the much thicker and non-reversible T51 type. That didn't bother me at all since I was notsure if the T51 tracks were available at the time of El Alamein.

Before installing the tracks, I painted the entire lower hull,muffler, and the inside of the tracks first. From my experienceI find it easier if I paint as I build than the usual "build first, paintlater" approach. The relatively smaller scale of 1/48th createsmany tight areas that are hard to get to once you glue everythingin place. I would rather deal with every potential "blind spot"now while I can still see them in plain sight.

For the color of the tracks, I chose RLM66 for the rubber blocksand my usual MMIR track color for the end connectors and theteeth.

While waiting for the paint to dry, I added PE details to theupper hull. Being budget conscious (and cautious) these days,I chose the Lion Roar detail set (LA48003) to accessorize mytank. For $9 you get a metal barrel and a few essential PE items.That's all you really needed for any Sherman model in this scale.Take my advice, avoid buying the high dollar/high tech Shermandetail sets. Save your money for Duff or something else.

The only modification I added to the turret was the Crusader-style toolbox. Again, I scratchbuilt it with sheet styrene andadded a hinge line from leftover PE sets.

Once everything is in place, I joined the top and bottom halvesof the tank together permanently. All of the already painteditems were then masked so they won't get "double sprayed" withthe rest of the tank.

Painting and DecalsAs much as I want to paint my Sherman III in authentic periodscheme (single color disruptivepattern), I decided to go with asingle color instead. I don't wantthe skin of my tank so "busy"that it spoils the enjoyment ofthe cartoon and graffiti.

I mixed my Light Stone 61according to Mike Starmer'sformula of 8 parts Humbrol 74 and 1 part Humbrol 26. It wenton nice and smooth. Ahhh, the joy of spraying enamel...

As mentioned earlier, the decals are the latest 1/48th releasefrom Echelon. The "When in doubt, brew up" graffiti on the

5Newsletter of the Austin Scale Modelers Societysame decal sheet is supposed to go on a Scammell Pioneer, butI used it on the rear of my tank anyway. No point in letting funnydecals go to waste.

The rest of the markings were taken from Archer Fine Transfers'"9th Lancers in North Africa" (49012). The cockade on theengine deck came from an old 1/48th Aeromaster RAF roundelsheet.

WeatheringAfter applying a wash of diluted Raw Umber oil paint, I decidedto give my MIG filters another go. As you can see in the photos,the filters stood out better than on the last model I used them on.The trick to it is actually quite simple: you have to match a filterdarker in tone or color than the surface color you are applyingit to. And how do you accomplish that? The answer is right infront of you on the label of the bottle: "Green for Light Green","Brown for Dark Green", "Grey for Bright Green", etc. Ingenious,isn't it? No, I'm afraid this is just a standard case of following thebleeding instructions.

Feeling a bit brave, I wanted to show signs of the locally appliedLight Stone wearing off and revealing the factory paintedOliver Drab (OD) underneath on all Lend-Leased equipment.

Small amount of enamel OD (Humbrol 155) were painted inpatches on the bottom edge of the lower hull and blended witha Green filter. Then I applied Light Tan and Brown filters to"dirty up" the surrounding areas. The results looked pretty goodto me.

The rest of the tank also received a coat of Brown filter appliedin streaks using a "grass comb" paintbrush. Next, I highlightedthe model by drybrushing a mixture of Humbrol 74 and smallamount of Flat White. Paint chips were done with the "sponge"method. A coat of flat clear sealed everything after all the paintswere dried.

To make the tank homier for the crew, I plundered the foldedtarp and "rucksacks" from Tamiya's M10 kit. The storage bin onthe front left fender was taken from Italeri's 1/35th CommandoJeep, and the rest of the stowage came from my spare parts box.

Various pigments of rust color were then applied to the muffler.Like everything with a diesel engine, I laid down a heavy coatof soot around the rear panel. Generous amount of MIG "GulfWar Sand" was also applied all over the wheels, and tracks.After rubbing a sharpened Sanford Prismacolor silver pencil onthe handle bars, track teeth and end connectors, my Sherman IIIwas done!


Building Williams Bros.1/48th Corben Super Ace

byTim Robb

IPMS #34705

According to the kit instruction sheet, the Corben Super Acewas designed by Orlan Corben as a home built design featuredin the January, February, March, April, May, June, and October1935 issues of Popular Aviation magazine. The historicalinformation about the airplane provided in the kit is super.References are given to other publications featuring later slightlymodified builds of the airplane in different color schemes.Orlan Corben must have been our kind of guy because there isa photo of him on the instruction sheet working on a stick andpaper flying model. There are also two black and white photosof the airplane and a photo of the modified Ford Model A engineon the instruction sheet.

Williams Bros. kit is molded in cream colored plastic that is onthe soft side. The kit parts have some flash on them, and I foundreplacing the small and delicate parts with plastic rod preferableto the tedious task of cleaning them up. The instruction sheet hasan exploded drawing on one side and step-by-step instructionswritten out on the other. I chose my own building order andnever read the instructions.

A decal is provided for the simple three dial instrument panel.Since it spans across the two fuselage halves, I cut it out andused it with the paper backing in place rather than as a waterslide decal. The fuselage halves have metal tubing detail of thefuselage construction molded into them in a very shallowfashion. I chose to glue lengths of plastic rod right over the topof the kit detail to enhance what was already there a bit. The rodI chose turned out to be a little too heavy as I later had to notchthe pilot's seat to fit around the rod in order to get the fuselagehalves closed.

The other additions I made to the kit interior were adding athrottle on the left side wall and adding aftermarket pre-paintedphotoetched seat belts. I used WWII Japanese style because Iliked the look of the buckles.

My thanks to Steve Faxon for the M4A2 "Christmas special;"he called it "the gift of giving." I called him Santa Claus!Thanks, Steve.

Eric

Reference1. Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis, British & American Tanks of WWII,Arco Publishing, 1975.2. Peter Harlem, Modeler's Guide to the Sherman, Ampersand Publishing,1999.3. Dennis Oliver, British Sherman Tanks, Concord Publications, 2006.4. Mike Starmer and Mike Cooper, British Vehicle Camouflage 1939-45.

South Atlantic SIGPOC: Adam Coleman

President, IPMS/Rio Grande Valley Modelers

Hello Everyone! I want to let you know of the creation of "SouthAtlantic SIG," a new IPMS Special Interest Group.

After a few months of working on the format, the webpage isnow up and running. It runs via the Yahoo! Groups format, soif you have a Yahoo! address, it can be easier to sign up.

As some of you know, I am a fan of the South Atlantic and havecome to really discover a wonderful series of subjects thatpertain to that little known part of the globe. From the days ofwhaling, Shackleton, to the 20th Century where there have beenmajor dreadnought battles in WWI, the story of Graf Spee, andmost prominently the Falklands/Malvinas War in 1982, there isa wide spectrum of subjects to model. New Antarctic ice-breaking ships also make for a great potential modeling subject.

Here are the links to our SIG:

Web Page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SouthAtlanticSIG/E-mail: [email protected]

Please feel free to join and contribute. I will hope to convene agood article to the IPMS Journal in early part of 2009.

Adam

7Newsletter of the Austin Scale Modelers SocietyThe underside of the nose is open, and you can see into theengine bay, but no engine is provided. I used one of thosestreamlined bomb casings from a Vietnam era 500lb bomb withthe nose and tail cut off as the bottom of the engine and built aframework to support it from plastic rod. That is all that isnecessary since only the bottom of the engine is visible. As withthe pilot's seat, I needed to whittle the radiator a little bit to getit to fit correctly. All the kit parts fit well. The only two fitproblems I had were of my own making.

One of the most challenging areas of this model is the painting— lots of yellow and silver with a black nose and black wheelfairing trim. There is no mask or decal provided for the scallopedpattern on the wheel fairings, so it is up to you to make one thatcan be used four times. You will also need to mask a couple ofcurved lines between black and yellow on the fuselage. Thedecals worked just fine. Following the kit instructions to dipthem into the water for five seconds only, I let them stand untilthe decal slides on the paper. I applied Solvaset on one decalonly. Nothing at all on the rest.

The kit supplies monofilament line for rigging the controlcables, but I chose to use brass wire colored with a silverSharpie pen instead. I cut these to length and attached them withwhite glue.

This is a nice little model kit of an unusual subject, and Ithoroughly enjoyed building it. Thanks to "Bondo" who slippedit to me at the end of last year's Christmas Party. Does this makeit a white elephant model? Go build a model!

Tim

Modeling Day, Part Deux...from Bob Bethea

We have finally settled on the date and place for the nextModeling Day. It will be on Saturday October 25, 2008 from10am until 5pm at the same place we had it before, the ShadyHollow Neighborhood Community Center (see map below).

Due to popular request, our modeling day will focus on figurepainting. We also intend to do some organizational planningfor the resurgence of the prospective Lone Star MilitaryMiniature Society.

This will be a working day, so bring your favorite paints,brushes, and newspaper to keep the area clean. Also bring alonga figure to paint. Make sure it is cleaned, primed and basecoated. We will work on face and uniform painting, and if timeallows, bases as well. If figure is not on your agenda, feel freeto come anyway and do whatever you choose.

Directions: If you come South down on MoPac (Loop 1), exitSLAUGHTER LANE and turn East (left). Travel about 1.5miles to BRODIE LANE. If you come on I-35 from either thenorth or south, exit SLAUGHTER LANE and turn West. Travelabout 4 miles to BRODIE LANE.

At the intersection of SLAUGHTER and BRODIE, turn Southon BRODIE and go about a mile. Turn East (left) on DOE RUN(Watch for the "Community Center" sign. You've gone too farif you see the first light.) The Community Center is a block anda half on the right. Park alongside or in the rear.

Feel free to contact me via e-mail ([email protected])or phone (home: 512-280-6003, cell: 512-784-7002) if youhave any question.

Bob


Latest Announcementfrom

Floyd S. Werner, Jr.IPMS #26266

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone had a great timeat the Nats. I certainly had a greattime. The new Master ClassModel Building Video* onResin, Photo-etch andVacuform Canopies was wellreceived and sold very well. Thesame can be said with theWerner's Wings resin andcanopies I had there. Yvonne didan excellent job of selling them.

As for the competition I did okay,two seconds and a third. The bestpart was catching up with old friends and making new ones. Agood time we all had. Hats off must be given to IPMS/Tidewaterand Hampton Roads for such great job.

What is on the bench? Well, I am trying to finish up a 1/48th

Avia S-199 that I started for the ARC group build. There is nogreat hurry, but I would like to see it done. I also have a Dragon1/35th OH-6A I've started toying with. But this will be a longerterm project as I am building the new Eduard Fw.190F-8 forIPMS/USA as soon as it arrives.

I have also started to gather information to do a set of MPLH(squat) gear for the Kiowa Warrior. It will probably be the nextWerner's Wings release. While messing with the OH-6, I wouldalso like to make the open mount for it. Plus, I have three morebook reviews to finish off and another Victory Films review towrite on the 11th Air Force. I have so many things going on thatthere is never a boring time here.

Now that the latest Master Class DVD is out, I'm not sure whatwe will do next. Maybe it's time to turn it over to an armor guyor a car nut (sorry, aircraft enthusiast).

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer, and my friend inFlorida weathered the hurricane okay. Take care and stay intouch.

Remember, modeling is fun!

*Editor’s Note: Floyd's latest DVD (MSRP: $49.95) and hisother modeling videos are available at Squadron Mail Order(http://www.squadron.com) or directly from Master Class ModelBuilding Video’s website (http://www.masterclassmodels.com)

Werner's Wings1/48th AH-1F IPS & Debris Deflector

Set # 48-01MSRP $10.00 plus shipping

Having flown the AH-1F inDesert Storm and Bosnia, ithas always been a favorite ofmine. I've always wanted tobuild an accurate Cobra that Iflew, and now I can withWerner's Wings IPS andDebris Deflector set.

The Improved ParticleSeparator (IPS) is designed to filter out sand and dirt from theinlet. Hundreds of tiny swirl tubes fling the sand to the outsidewhere it is blown overboard. The Debris Deflector is designedto allow the shooting of the Mk.66 rocket motors. Since therockets fly so fast that they cause a disruption in the airflow tothe engine, the Debris Deflector allows the rockets to be firedwithout restriction.

Designed for the venerable Monogram kit, the IPS will easily fitinto the inlet as soon as you removed the molded-on inlet. Thesetwo parts will help bring your Cobra up to the final version ofthe US Army's finest attack helicopter. IMHO.

You can order directly from Werner's Wings [email protected]. I accept Paypal to the same e-mailaddress or check/money order or cash. Please send me an e-mailfor any question or ordering details.

Floyd

Bring Your Ladies to the Show!by Martha Bell

Yes, the Austin Area Quilt Guild 2008 quilt show will be in fullswing September 26th through 28th just down the hall in CrockettCenter from where the ASMS model show will be held! Be sureand tell your wife or girlfriend that we expect this to be ourbiggest show so far. There will be traditional quilts and art quiltsin various sizes. There will be a boutique, a silent auction, anda raffle quilt, which will be won by some lucky person whosename will be drawn at the show.

Many vendors will be there selling all kinds of things having todo with sewing, as well as gifts, jewelry, wearables, kits,patterns, tools, gadgets, fabric, and finished items. There will bea children's area, a demonstration area, scissors sharpener, anda snack bar.

Admission to the AAQG show is only $6, and it promises to bean outstanding show! Hope to see you there!!

Martha


Whole lotta resin goin' on...1/48th AlphaFlight Sunderland Mk.III

OOB Reviewby

"Bondo" Phil Brandt, IPMS #14091

Kit # AF-4811, USD $300 + postageDistributed by Pacific Coast Models

The Short Sunderland series of flying boats was the last andinarguably best-known family of large British R.A.F. flyingboats to participate in World War II, and the type soldiered onfor many years (into the late 60s in New Zealand service). Tothis curmudgeon's recollection, the only kit of this famousdesign has been an injected one in 1/72nd by ol' reliable Airfix.Leave it to the eclectic proclivities (1/48th Predator UAV, forinstance) of Alpha Flight's Italian master modelers to release, asEd Sullivan used to say, a "realllly big," all-resin Sunderland.To my knowledge, the only other firm currently producing suchlarge resin aircraft castings would be Collect-Aire.

Component BreakdownThe Sunderland's largefuselage and wings are hollow-cast which keeps weightrelatively low — you ought tofeel how heavy the solid 1/48th

wings of the Collect-Aire RB-57 are — and at the same timehelps to prevent resin "droop"over time. Separate flaps andailerons are one-piece solid-cast, as are the horizontal andvertical fins. Stabilizers andrudder are separate andtherefore easily posed by themodeler.

Overall MoldingVery crisp detail and smooth surfaces (not glossy, though-which ees no problemo when we're not talking NMF!).Engraving is nicely restrained and very neatly executed. Becauseof the large components, pouring spigots are also hefty andrequire moderate labor to clean up. No warpage noted.

InteriorThe inner surfaces of the fuselage halves are covered with

simulated ribs and longerons, and a substantial group ofstructurally detailed bulkheads and floors await assembly.Sadly, even with the large number of windows, it will bedifficult to see these details, other than the cockpit area.

CockpitFairly detailed, with PE instrument panel (film instrumentsbehind) and seatbelts. I do wish AlphaFlight had cast the wealthof small resin parts individually rather than all together on onemonolithic sheet (see pic).

Clear PartsThe vacuformed pieces — twocopies of each component areincluded — are thin (too thinin a few instances; one gunturret arrived irretrievably"dented") with nice framingdefinition between panels.There is a slight cloudiness toall transparencies (because of the grade of plastic stock used,IMO, and I don't know if Future will improve the appearance).

The parts pictorial shows 39 window transparency outlines onthe vacuform sheet; they're there, but so faintly imprinted as tobe practically invisible. Anyone undertaking the monumentaljob of manually cutting out these disks is IMO a real "practicebleeder." I plan to tape over the external porthole openings withclear packaging tape and pour clear casting resin from theinside; it's a scheme that's worked well with my Anigrand C-124; the result was totally flush, very clear tranparencies.

An alternate scheme would be to use a high quality single holepaper punch to manufacture the portholes. I tried out thisscheme, and the size disks produced are almost exactly correct,so close that white canopy glue would easily tack them in. If thehole in the resin is a bit small. It's easy to gently ream thediameter with a Number 11 X-Acto blade.

EnginesIt's the old familiar cylinder-row-molded-against-the-firewalltrick. The cylinders and ignition wires are very sharply cast. The

Newsletter of the Austin Scale Modelers Society10cylinder row/firewalls are properly spaced within the cowlingsby resin fairings glued to the nacelles. Exhaust manifolds arethe long, "porcupine" night operations style; later "horn"-typesare not offered.

Prop blades must be individually mounted to each spinner.

Gun TurretsGun assemblies are not badly detailed, but could've used somePE ammo belts. The individual resin machine gun barrels are sotiny that it's going to be tough to mount them to the gunbreeches. Very small diameter stainless tubing may be thebetter way to go, unless cast metal substitutes can be obtained.

Radar OptionsThe earlier version "forest" of Yagi antennas is done in PE andresin. No diagrams are provided to assemble the four verticalantennas on the empennage spine. Optional late-model radarteardrop fairings (these obviate the need for the Yagi "forest")attached to the underside of the wings are provided and makefor a much cleaner airframe. Your choice.

Beaching GearDon't 'cha just hate it when the manufacturers of a nice flyingboat don't include a decent way to display the model other than"floating" in a bath of blue-tinted resin? Not so in this case,'cause Alpha Flight's done a very nice beaching assembly: twoforward struts and an aft trolley.

InstructionsSharply printed isometric exploded assembly drawings arenice, but nowhere do the instructions define (in textual form, atleast) the differences between what in the drawings are termed"Options 1, 2 and 3."

The short lead-in historical section only tells about theSunderland Mk.I, II and III, not about the differences (such asthe Mk.IIIA) within the Mk.III family, which, after all, is whatthe kit is purported to be. Perhaps my kit is missing some printedmaterial.

DecalsThree options: French service and two North Atlantic (ExtraDark Sea Gray over White) schemes. The sheet is sharplyprinted, colors are vivid and the decals seem appropriately thin.

Finishing GuideThe large three-view color (F.S. numbers given) artwork isexcellent. F.S. numbers are also included in individual assemblysteps.

ConclusionPros: Great representation of a famous subject; good detail;cleanly-molded; largest components are hollow-cast; beachinggear included.

Cons: Righteous bucks; no convenient provision for windowtransparencies; resin parts prep for numerous small componentscast on one large sheet; unclear optional version parts use.

“Bondo” Phil

49 Years Ago (April 1959) ...

It was this seven-grader's birthday. He just finished his firstmodel (DC-7 in American Airline livery), and he couldn't waitto show it to everybody. Do you know who he is?

Editor: Got any old photo of you with your model? How aboutsharing it with your peers here in the Time Tunnel? E-mail it tome or let me scan it for you. We all love these "Kodak moments",especially when plastic and glue are involved!


NameMilton Bell

Day jobModel building and napping.(Before I retired, I used to be anarchaeologist.)

I’ve been building models...Close to 50 years. I started buildingflying models when I was a kid.

Then I stopped for a while. After I got married, I picked up thehobby again and have been building nonstop ever since.

Primary modeling interestWWII and Korean War aircraft, but I'll build anything.

Main reason why I build modelsFor relaxation.

Other than building models, I enjoy...Photography, choral singing, painting, fishing, and cooking.

I was influenced/inspired to build models by...Jim Curd. He was an ASMS member and 1/48th aircraft builderwho rekindled my interest.

My favorite "master" modeler isFrank Mitchell, a world class scratchbuilder.

I consider myself...A builder as well as a collector.

The size of my unbuilt collectionSomewhere between 501 and 1000.

My wife’s opinion on the size and storage of my collection is...Negative, of course. Wouldn't you?

Best excuse I told my wife for buying yet another model kit"It followed me home.""It was a raffle prize and only cost a dollar.""It was 50% off!"

Plan for my unbuilt collection before I die/give up this hobbyAsk my wife Martha. They will be hers. I hope she sells some,gives some away, and keeps some for the grandkids.

First model I completedPiper Cub by Comet in 1943. It was a stick and tissue, rubberband powered flying model. For the longest time that was theonly type of model I built. Plastic kits in the old days were likepre-painted models we now have. What's the fun if you don'thave to scratchbuild the parts?

Know Thy Fellow MemberKnow Thy Fellow MemberKnow Thy Fellow MemberKnow Thy Fellow MemberKnow Thy Fellow MemberFor me the biggest satisfaction of building flying models iswatch them fly. If I can make it fly more than once, that's worthmore than any trophy I receive at model shows.

Longest time I took to finish a modelDon't know. I'm still working on it.

Best model I built so far1/72nd Tamiya P-47.

Worst model I ever encounteredMach2 1/72nd Ryan X-13 Vertijet. I spent a week on that "thing"before I finally gave up and trashed it (yes, I did trash it).

Modeling project(s) I’m working onAcademy 1/48th P-47D, Zvezda 1/48th LA-5FN, and DML 1/144th Tornado.

Dumbest thing I ever did when building a modelI glued the wing of an aircraft model to my finger with CA.

Worst thing you did to your model to express your anger/frustrationI flew it into the wall.

Back in the old days, the proper way to retire a flying model wasto light it up while in-flight, and I conducted quite a few of these"burials" with firecrackers.

Special Hotel Ratesfor Upcoming Region 6 Convention

Vendors and Attendees

Central Arkansas Scale Modelers (CASM), the host of thisyear's Region 6 Convention (October 18th), has arranged withthe Wyndham Riverfront Hotel (http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/LITNO/main.wnt) for a special rate of $89 a night (plustaxes) for vendors and contest attendees.

To secure this special offer, call (877) 999-3223 and mentionRegion 6 Convention when making reservation. This rate isgood through September 26th.

The hotel has two full service restaurants (Benihana and TheRiverfront Steakhouse), a swimming pool, and much more. Justdown the street is an authentic Irish Pub, built totally in Irelandthen dismantled and brought to North Little Rock.


Old RumorsOld RumorsOld RumorsOld RumorsOld Rumors & New Kits

The conventions are winding down and hurricane Gustav hasjust about dwindled away. Now it's time to get serious about theAustin Scale Model Show. It's just a couple of weeks away. Idon't know what's going on at your house but here I'm trying toget a couple of different category models finished and my wifeis putting the hanging loops on a couple of quilts.

If you didn't know, we will be sharing the Crockett Center withthe Austin Area Quilt Guild. They have a 3-day show andcontest every two years and they will be showing over 400beautiful quilts. There may be a short blurb elsewhere in thisnewsletter.

If you haven't signed up for a job at the show, Tuesday's meetingwill be your opportunity. Shows like ours depend on volunteersso step up and take a job.

I've been working on the Zvesda La-5FN. It's a nice model butjust a bit over-engineered. The parts fit well for the most partand there is adequate detail, especially if you choose to use theEduard Zoom set to complete and enhance the cockpit interior.I have noticed however, that to successfully construct this kit,one must carefully follow the instructions. In this regard, it'smuch like an Accurate Miniatures kit. And it's not forgiving.And yes, I messed up and had to "re-engineer" part of the kit toget it finished. Well, I hope it will be finished.

Speaking of Accurate Miniatures, I had an email announcingthe release of their next model. It's a timely subject—thePredator UAV. Sad to say it's in 1/72 which is generally OK butthis is a small aircraft and I would have rather seen it in 1/48 orthat larger scale. Their photo of the Predator looks pretty good.It should be out soon.

Eduard has some new products and the promise of more in themonths ahead. Presently they have a Fokker Dr.1 combo kit.You get two complete kits in one box which lowers the cost ofthe individual kit. It's a good deal. Later on this month thereshould be a kit of the Spad XIII, Late version and the reappear-ance of the Lysander III which was first released under theGavia label.

Presently, Eduard has a Weekend Special for the Sopwith F.1Camel. This is a typical Eduard bargain; a very nice all plastickit with markings for a single aircraft for just under $20. Theyalso have another version of the Fw190. This time it’s the F-8and the box art looks accurate for the type.

Eduard's forte however, is in their PE detail sets. New kits aresoon matched with a set of PE to add the finishing touch. Oneof their latest is for the 1/48 Ki45 Nick. For a total detailtreatment, their series of "Big Ed" sets leave little to be desired.Their newest announced "Big Ed" sets are for the 1/32 P-47D,the 1/48 A6M5c Zero and Fw190A-8, and the 1/72 B-17F/G.

Watch for the new 1/32 Dragon Me.110 kit. It should be a killerkit that will make into a super model.

Here are some of the new kits that are available at local hobbyshops. Hasegawa has a new boxing of the 1/48 Draken J350.This time it’s in the special Austrian markings. If you like a lotof red and white, this is your kit. It’s bright to say the least.

Special Hobby has seen a flurry of releases. First up is the 1/48Spitfire Mk Vc, the first plastic Spitfire kit with the "C" wing—it's about time! SH has also released a 1/32 kit of the X-15 whichincludes the ground handling dolly and those two giganticexterior tanks. In case you missed it the first time around, the1/48 Fairey Barracuda is back. There is also a reissue of theF-86H in 1/72 and the Pucara, in the same scale.

Special Hobby kits have generally improved over the years andfeature subjects that other makers won't tackle. MPM, anotherlabel from Eastern Europe, has a very nice 1/72 A-20G. I hearit's probably the best kit in the scale.

Now from the other side of the earth, Platz has announced twonew 1/144 kits that I am personally looking forward to. A P-47Razorback will look good next to the already released bubbletop and an F6F Hellcat—do I want it overall SBG or three-tone?—Will look good on a bit of carrier deck. As usual, the kitswill be offered two to the box.

Tamiya has released what is probably the best 1/48 Zero kitever. This is the late A6M5 and includes a very detailed interior.Phil Fridell has built his and needed filler in only one placewhere he made a mistake with the clippers. This is a beautifulkit and looks like a scaled down version of the 1/32 kit. I’m sureother versions will be coming.

Unfortunately, I've not seen a lot of new armor kits. The Tri-StarBrumbar kit has been out for a while and the 1/32 Master BoxMotorcycle with sidecar looks interesting. And if you needsome figures for a 1/48 diorama, Tamiya has a set of GermanTroops on Maneuvers.

There's a new armor book that should be of interest to buildersand history buffs alike. This is Panzer Wrecks No. 6 andfeatures over 90 pages of data and photos.

For aircraft types Squadron has published another book in the"Walk Around" series. This time it's on the B-29 Superfortress.There are plenty of color photos, inside and out, and someprofile art. I think this is one of the better books in the series anda valuable reference if you plan to build a B-29 in any scale.

That about wraps it up for another month. Remember we meetin the History Center and we still need volunteers for the show.Volunteer now and avoid that "Hey YOU, come here!" I hopeyou get that model finished in time. If not, well, rememberModeling is Fun, modeling is fun, modeling is #*&%$!

MB


In the latest issue of...

IPMS JournalJul/Aug 2008

Volume 20, Issue 4

• Armored Ambulance —Getting Academy's NewM113A3 on Track, by MarkAldrich;

• Samurai Phantom — ANinja-like Approach to Hasegawa's Challenging F-4, by MikeIdacavage;

• Lighted Widebody — Building Revell's 1:144 747-400 (andleaving the lights on) by Leo Dashevskiy;

• Diver Destroyer — Building an IPMS Pioneer's Plane fromAcademy's 1:72 Tempest, by Marty Sanford;

• Wokka Beastie! — Combining Italeri's 1:48 kit with Eduard'sbrass to build a big Chinook, by Paul Bradley;

• Dem Brudders;

And much, much more!

Join IPMS/USA!Join IPMS/USA!Join IPMS/USA!Join IPMS/USA!Join IPMS/USA!IPMS/USA is an organization dedicated to the fun of ScaleModeling. Started by Jim Sage, of Dallas, Texas, in 1963, thereare now branches of IPMS all over the world.

As part of your IPMS/USA membership, you will receive TheIPMS Journal six times a year. In it you will find stories ofinterest on subjects such as aircraft, armor, automotive, ships,and figures. You will also find listings of IPMS contests andswap meets, hints and tips, and reviews. Membership alsoqualifies you to participate in IPMS/USA sanctioned RegionalContests, as well as our world-famous National Convention,held each summer. As a member, you'll also be able to accessour online Member's Forum where a wide variety of societyand modeling topics are discussed. In addition, many hobbyshops around the county offer discounts to IPMS/USA members.

To join IPMS/USA, simply use the form below or go towww.ipmsusa.org and click Join IPMS/USA! Payment maybe made via personal check, money order, or credit card.Applications using Check or Money Order should be printedupon completion of the registration process and mailed to:

IPMS/USADept. H, P.O. Box 2475

North Canton, OH 44720-0475

For any questions or problems with your membershipapplication/renewal, please contact the IPMS/USA OfficerManager, Ms. M.J. Kinney, at [email protected]

By Modelers

— For Modelers ®


Austin Scale Modelers SocietyEric Choy

13213 Marrero DriveAustin, TX 78729

Next Meeting:Sept 9, 2008

atAustin History Center(810 Guadalupe Street)

From I-35, you can take any of the numbered streetsnorth of 9th in the downtown area to get on Guadalupe.Beware Guadalupe is a one way street going southafter MLK. If you are travelling westbound on anystreet south of 9th, you'll need to go north on SanAntonio or Lavaca in order to get on 9th to park.

Free parking is available on 9th and around WooldridgePark after 5:30pm. Please do not park in the FaulkCentral Library’s designated area next door or yourvehicle may be towed!

Documents

Next Meeting: September 9 at Austin Scale Model Show Austin … · 2012-12-14 · Amigo Airsho, Biggs AFB, El Paso, TX [GK][SB] October 4-5 EAA Southwest Regional Fly-In, Hondo, TX